Foundation takes Snapchat to court over children's privacy
The popular app Snapchat is once again under fire in the Netherlands. A foundation that advocates for the digital rights of users has filed a lawsuit against the app's parent company. The organization is demanding that Snapchat adjust its practices to better protect the privacy of minor users.
According to the foundation, Snapchat is unlawfully collecting data from Dutch children. The app allegedly tracks users without them having given explicit consent. The foundation is also concerned about the way the app uses addictive features, which primarily affect young people.
The plaintiffs want Snapchat to stop collecting personal data without permission. In addition, they believe the company must be more transparent about how the app's algorithms work. With this legal step, the foundation hopes to force the app to become safer for minors in the Netherlands.
It is not the first time that Snapchat has been challenged in the Netherlands regarding its privacy policy. Previously, regulators have frequently pointed out the risks of such social media platforms. The company has not yet responded substantively to the new summons.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have major consequences for how social media handles the data of young people in the future. Many parents and experts are therefore closely monitoring developments in this case.